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According to the latest Economic News Release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare added 20,000 jobs in November. On average, this industry has grown by 26,000 per month each year. Already one of the largest employment sectors in the U.S., analysts predict significant additional job growth in 2013 as hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities try to keep up with labor demands. We’ve taken a closer look at their predictions as well as those of others in the industry. Here are our five predictions for the top trends in next year’s healthcare recruiting arena.

1. Hiring at a Rapid Pace

With the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Affordable Care Act and American’s reelection of President Obama, it appears the ACA is here to stay. Hospitals and private practice clinics across the nation are still trying to determine exactly what it will mean for business. However, increased access to preventative health services for numerous citizens and a growing aging population seems to indicate that staff increases must take place across the board. We predict that healthcare establishments will begin hiring new
registered nurses, nursing assistants, doctors and
administrators early in 2013 and grow their teams rapidly throughout the year.

2. Wooing of Boomerangs

Healthcare fared better than most industries during the Great Recession. That said, some hospitals and clinics were still forced to trim staff. We predict that many establishments will attempt to hire back the best of their former employees to maximize their return on investment. Not only does rehiring boomerangs save companies money in terms of screening and recruiting time, but these healthcare professionals already know how to do the job. Some
employers may elect to pursue retired nurses, physicians and former interns as well.

3. Increased Use of Social Media

We predict that healthcare recruiters and hospital and private practice clinic hiring managers will continue to use social media to connect with candidates. Industry-related groups on such sites offer an efficient way to connect with non-active job candidates in particular. These are currently employed doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff who are open to discussing new job prospects. Company decision makers can build relationships with these individuals before they even need to hire, building a pool of prescreened candidates from which to draw.

4. Emphasis on Culture

Healthcare professionals are interested in more than money. Many entered the industry because they want to care for others. Unfortunately, the industry is notorious for grueling shifts, little time off and a high stress environment. We predict that many hospitals and private practice clinics will emphasize the benefits of their company culture when recruiting new nurses, assistants and doctors. Particularly attractive will be organizations that offer regular performance feedback, accessible leaders and staff camaraderie.

5. Sweetening the Deal

Many within the industry have already noted a shortage of primary care and internal medicine doctors doctors in the U.S., in part because fewer graduates a choosing general medicine career paths. This influx of new patients with the implementation of the ACA will only magnify this shortage. We predict that hospitals and private practice clinics will pursue qualified job candidates more competitively than ever before. This may mean offering more money. It might mean offering more schedule flexibility. It’s very likely to have something to do with a positive work-life balance.

Predictions are only that, but one thing is for certain—2013 is shaping up to be a very exciting year in healthcare. If you’re a recruiter or hiring manager, we encourage you to visit HealtheCareers.com regularly for the latest industry news as well as to search our qualified pool of healthcare professionals ready to apply for your open positions.